Why Tread Lightly!...?

[Tread Lightly!]

Wow... how the summer flies!!!

Quick tip of the week:

Spill kits! Despite the fact that oil comes from the earth, it is very important that we work to keep oil and other fluids from contaminating our trails. Breakage happens. Seals go bad. Its part of the deal... So what can we do?

- Inspect your vehicle regularly and before each trip for leaks, and fix them as soon as you can. As if you were looking for another excuse to get into the garage and out of domestic duties...
- Either purchase a pre-made spill kit, or make your own. This includes durable large-capacity garbage bags, absorbent material, etc
- If you have a fluid spill on the trail, please scoop up any contaminated soil and bag it, disposing of it at an appropriate location (not your pesky neighbor's garden.)
- On rock (think Utah), use absorbent materials to wipe and clean up the spill as best as you can.

The dinosaur unions who protect their exclusive placement of oil in the earth thank you. As do we. Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[nwoods]

Wow... how the summer flies!!!

Quick tip of the week:

Spill kits!
- On rock (think Utah), use absorbent materials to wipe and clean up the spill as best as you can.

Yeap, we had a mess on our hands a while back. The bag of rags we had on board was used to good effect:

 

[Tread Lightly!]

Oh, been there done that myself... Blew up my rear axle spider gears on Poison Spider Mesa, punching a hole in the diff. Had to use a few absorbent pads

 

[leighthom]

Absolutely, it is our pleasure. Please let me know if there are additional resources that we can provide.

I will be doing my best to get information about Tread Trainer courses and other projects that we are involved in posted here. You all in the Expedition Portal / Overland Journal world have always been fantastic supporters of responsible use, so we definitely appreciate that!

I would be very interested in the projects you are involved in? Can you name a few and the way you are involved.

 

[keezer37]

Tip of the week:


3) Use caution around equestrians. While many trail horses are getting more accustomed to vehicular travel, they can still be easily spooked. Stop well ahead of them

Good piece of information for me. Thanks. I am not knowledgeable about horses and do not know how to conduct myself around them. Where I bike, bridal trails often cross the bike paths. I have had a couple encounters with nervous horses. I will stop and stand clear of them now while they pass rather than steering around them.

 

[Tread Lightly!]

I would be very interested in the projects you are involved in? Can you name a few and the way you are involved.

http://treadlightly.org/page.php/programs/programs.html

And that's just scratching the surface, my friend. We also are working to maintain dialogues with recreational stakeholders to attempt to maintain access for all users on public lands, and continuing to develop our outreach materials as we encourage further stewardship of public lands and recreational opportunities.

Stay tuned on the forum. I post up as Trainer courses and other opportunities come about. :bike_rider:

 

[Tread Lightly!]

Time for a long over-due tip of the week...

Labor Day is coming up here in a couple weeks. I'm sure everyone is excited, and hopefully has some plans to hit the trails!!

Labor Day also happens to be one of the busiest weekends on public lands, so with that in mind... We would like to make a couple recommendations, if we may.

-Play it respectful. There will be thousands of people out enjoying the public lands. Please keep that in mind, and slow down around high-traffic areas and areas of low visibility. You never know what could be around that blind corner...

-Play it safe. Use all the proper safety gear, and seat belts on vehicles designed to use them. We want you all to be around to talk trash about how "insane that obstacle was" or how "great that trail is". For the more visual learners... A video from our friends at Stay The Trail in Colorado: http://www.youtube.com/user/StayTheTrail#p/u/8/GyJk37z0yLs

-Play it sober. Beers are best enjoyed in camp after the tires have stopped turning. A gentle reminder that you can still get a DUI in many areas, even on the trail.

-Play it fun. Get out there and hit the trails. The forum should be VACANT over the weekend...!

 

[Tread Lightly!]

Good afternoon everyone! Just wanted to toss out a quick hello to let you know what Tread Lightly! has been up to recently, and where we're headed...

Past Events:
Phoenix International Sportsmens Expo - Phoenix, AZ
Salt Lake City International Sportsmens Expo - Salt Lake City, UT
Scouting University - Greenville, NC

Upcoming Events:
Denver St. Patricks Day Parade (Guest appearance by LightFoot, with Stay The Trail) - March 17 in Denver, CO
National OHV Safety and Education Conference - March 26 and 27 in Sacramento, CA
Easter Jeep Safari - April 4 to 8 in Moab, UT
Stewardship Day @ The Capital - April 19 in Denver, CO
Scout-O-Rama - May 5 in Salt Lake City, UT
Overland Expo - May 18 to 20 in Flagstaff, AZ

We are scheduling Tread Trainer and Master Trainer courses coming up, so if your organization, club, business, school, or agency is interested in hosting a course, please visit our Tread Trainer page: http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/programs-treadtrainer/treadtrainer.html

Stewardship Grants application deadline has been extended back to April 1, so if your member club is interested in some money for projects, please visit the page here for details: http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/stewardshipgrants/

We've also recently added a $60 dollar, three year option for our members, and with over 90% of your donation going directly towards our education, outreach, and stewardship programs your contributions are being put to good use!

Tread Lightly! leads a national effort to protect recreation access by promoting ethics education and stewardship programs nationwide.
Get involved, and Do your part to support responsible enjoyment of America's lands and waterways.

And in case spring comes in like a lion and keeps you off the trail, entertain and educate yourself for an hour or so by taking our online awareness course!

 

[Tread Lightly!]

It was great seeing everyone at Overland Expo last month in Flagstaff! A huge thank you to Overland Expo for hosting us! We were able to sign up 17 new members, one of whom took home a certificate for a brand new set of BFG Tires. Hope to see more of you over the rest of the warm "play outside" season, and then again next year.

Well... if it just hasn't been a busy couple of months.

Where have we been?
Denver St. Patricks Day Parade (Guest appearance by LightFoot, with Stay The Trail) - March 17 in Denver, Colorado
National OHV Safety and Education Conference - March 26 and 27 in Sacramento, California
Easter Jeep Safari - April 4 to 8 in Moab, Utah
Stewardship Day @ The Capital - April 19 in Denver, Colorado
Scout-O-Rama - May 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah
Overland Expo - May 18 to 20 in Flagstaff, Arizona
Master Tread Trainer Course - May 26 in Portland, Oregon
Colorado State Parks Seasonal Training - May 30 at Sylvan Lake State Park, Colorado
Grand Mesa Jeep Club Show - June 2 in Grand Junction, Colorado
Colorado State Parks Seasonal Training - June 6 at Mueller State Park, Colorado
National Get Outdoors Day - June 9 in Salt Lake City, Utah
National Get Outdoors Day - June 9 in Denver, CO (Celebrating our mascot's 10th birthday!)

And on the heels of that, where are we going?
Master Tread Trainer Course for Stay The Trail - June 18th in Denver, Colorado
Sun Valley Adaptive Sports / Higher Ground Week - July 2 to July 6 in Sun Valley, Idaho area
FJ Summit (Including stewardship trail run day!) - July 18 to July 21 in Ouray, Colorado
Master Tread Trainer Course - August 28 to August 29 at Camp Sol R Crown in Wilmot, Wisconsin
National Order of the Arrow Conference (Boy Scouts of America) - August 1 to August 4 in East Lansing, Michigan
Master Tread Trainer Course (NOHVCC Conference) - August 21 in Great Falls, Montana
NOHVCC Conference - August 21 to August 25 in Great Falls, Montana

That sort of covers it... Please pay attention to our Tread Trainer Course listings for additional courses if you're interested in helping us promote the Tread Lightly! message throughout your area.

Tread Lightly! has also instituted a blog to give weekly updates on our goings-on. Have a look! http://treadlightlyoutdoors.wordpress.com/

Jason, Lori, and Justin with the mobile billboards sponsored by Drive Off-Road in Moab during EJS

Justin doing a workshop with seasonal employees from Colorado State Parks

Lightfoot with Woodsy and Smokey, at National Get Outdoors Day in Denver

Hanging out with Del from BRC and Matt from Stay The Trail Ambassadors, at the Grand Mesa Jeep Club Show

In addition to the stewardship grants program ( http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/stewardshipgrants/ ), we are also about ready to start round 2 of our interpretive panel program. Over 2000 of these panels were placed last year on public lands throughout the country, promoting responsible use under our Ride On (motorized) and Respected Access (recreational shooting) campaigns. We are looking to place at least that number out again this year, so keep your eyes peeled.

http://www.respectedaccess.org/resources/kiosk-program/

We have some really big things coming down the trail at Tread Lightly!. Our memberships are up, our exposure is increasing through numerous outlets and partnerships, and we've had a huge response for donations for our annual eBay charity auction coming up later this year. We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our supporters, members, member clubs, and partners. Without your help, this wouldn't be possible.

Please consider joining Tread Lightly! and helping us continue to proactively maintain responsible access through ethics and stewardship. The list of benefits is long, but most importantly, you're helping to protect America's public lands and waterways for continued future use.

 

[Dirtytires]

As the father of two Scouts. I think this is great. More people need to get on the bus as so to speak.

 

[Tread Lightly!]

Good morning everyone, and welcome to August!

We've been busy, yet again... What's that? You'd like a quick run-down? Absolutely... Here goes:

Where we've been-
Master Trainer Course (hosted by Stay The Trail Colorado) - June 18 in Denver, CO
Awareness Workshop for Cheyenne Mountain State Park - June 28 in Colorado Springs, CO
Tread Trainer Course (hosted by Sun Valley Adaptive Sports) - July 2 in Sun Valley, ID
Mountain Bike Nationals at Sun Valley - July 4-6 in Sun Valley, ID
FJ Summit - July 19-21 in Ouray, CO
Master Trainer Course at Camp Sol R Crown (hosted by the Boy Scouts of America) - July 28 and 29 in Wilmot, WI
National Order of the Arrow Conference - July 31 to August 4 in East Lansing, MI

Where are we headed?
Bass Pro Shops Land and Wildlife Expo - August 10-11 in Nashville, TN (Tread Trainers staffing)
CAST for Kids - August 11 at Strawberry Res, UT
NOHVCC Conference - August 21-25 in Great Falls, MT
Tread Trainer Course (hosted by Northeast Ohio 4x4) - September 31 in Windham, OH
Master Trainer Course (hosted by Rausch Creek Off-Road Park) - October 6-7 in Tremont, PA
BSA Outdoor Ethics Conference - October 24-27 in Hot Springs, AR
SEMA - October 30 to November 2 in Las Vegas, NV
Master Trainer Course (hosted by Uwharrie Off Road Training Center) - November 16-17 in Uwharrie, NC

If you are interested in participating or hosting a Master Trainer or Tread Trainer course in your area, please check the website. We will be getting the 2013 schedule running soon - http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/programs-treadtrainer/treadtrainer.html


Our educational posters program is up and running, including making these posters available for purchase by land managers and partner organizations. These can be fully customized to address the needs of the area. For more information on this program - http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/programs-rapanels/

A few pics for you all:

Jason covering learning styles with a Master Trainer course in Sun Valley, ID

Our new Master Trainers with the Boy Scouts

Justin teaching awareness courses at the National Order of the Arrow Conference in East Lansing, MI

Our Stewardship run group at FJ Summit in Ouray, CO


And because they're fun... A friendly "tip of the day"

Under the principle of "Do Your Part", as we move into the later days of Summer, there is still plenty of time to be involved outdoors. Keep your eye out for stewardship opportunities in your area and lend a hand. Taking even a tiny bit of time out of your day to pick up trash or fix a trail issue helps to promote the positive side of our community. A recent blog post from our Education and Stewardship Programs Manager going into a little more detail on the topic - http://treadlightlyoutdoors.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/because-sometimes-its-the-little-things/


Happy trails...!

 

[Tread Lightly!]

Good evening all!

We hope that you've all been having a great trail season, and especially hope that everyone got a chance to see the fantastic changing of the colors going on throughout the country.

As the season winds down, and gear and your trail machine are getting stowed for the season, we'd like to encourage everyone to take that few extra minutes during the pre-storage maintenance to put in a little cleaning time. As with our riding season recommendation of cleaning your bike/quad/4x4 to help stop the spread of invasive species, the pre-storage cleaning provides a perfect time to take a fine-toothed brush to it and really clean out those wheel-wells, skid plates and undercarriage, floorboards, and the like to get rid of any unwanted hitchhikers. As our mothers always told us... "Your room will be easier to clean if you just KEEP it clean". Well thanks Mom, we get it now. Keeping our trail vehicles clean after our adventures makes it easier to clean up next time, and helps us all by keeping native plants where they belong.

And for the family haulers, tow-rigs and 4x4's, here's a great solution to containing the dirt, grass, and anything else your shoes may pick up on the trail once you've gotten that rig all spotless... New floormats! And since you're getting new floormats... Maybe some that say "Tread Lightly!" like these from our proud partners at Drive OffRoad.com???

So. Once that snow falls, and the trail rig goes to sleep for the winter (unless you're like us and don't mind a little snow-bashing here and there) please consider taking that extra step. Your gear will thank you, and so will we. Have a great upcoming weekend everyone!

 

[Chevrolado]

I hadn't really heard much of you guys (I'm new here) but I have to say, I read through this thread here and I'm very stoked to see such a caring organization as you guys. Very cool! I grew up going camping, fishing, and was part of the Boy Scouts and all that, so I guess I was just taught a lot of the same principles you outline, but all the same, I love that there is a group out there with the purpose to continue to teach this way. Everyone should learn these kinds of things. Thanks for all you do! I will definitely be looking into your group a little closer and seeing all the ways to interact outside of this little area here.

 

[Tread Lightly!]

Dave,
Thanks for checking in on what we're about. Like you, I learned my "land use ethic" in the Boy Scouts and have been happy to continue to help support principles and practices that not only protect our natural resources, but also protect our ability to access public lands nation (and world) wide.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any thoughts or questions!

-Justin

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Justin, what is TL doing at SEMA? Will you guys be in a booth or just checking out the show? Would love to catch up.